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Increased white matter hyperintensities in male methamphetamine abusers
Soojeong C Bae1, In Kyoon Lyoo, Young Hoon Sung
1Department of Psychiatry, Seoul National University College of Medicine and Hospital, 28 Yongon-dong, Chongno-gu, Seoul 110-744, South Korea.
Background:
The current study was conducted to compare the prevalence, severity, and location of white matter signal hyperintensities (WMH) on brain magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in methamphetamine (MA) abusers.
Methods:
Thirty-three MA abusers and 32 age- and gender-matched healthy comparison subjects were studied. Axial T-2 weighted images and fluid attenuated inversion recovery axial images were obtained using 3.0 T MR scanner. The severity of WMH was assessed separately for deep and periventricular WMH. Ordinal logistic regression models were used to assess the odds ratio for WMH.
Results:
MA abusers had greater severity of WMH than the healthy comparison subjects (odds ratio: 7.06, 8.46, and 4.56 for all, deep, and periventricular WMH, respectively). Severity of deep WMH correlated with total cumulative dose of MA (p = 0.027). Male MA abusers had greater severity of WMH than female MA abusers (odds ratio = 10.00). While male MA abusers had greater severity of WMH than male comparison subjects (odds ratio = 18.86), there was no significant difference in WMH severity between female MA abusers and female comparison subjects.
Conclusions:
The current study reports increased WMH in MA abusers, which may be related to MA-induced cerebral perfusion deficits. In addition, female MA abusers had less severe WMH than male MA abusers, possibly due to estrogen's protective effect against ischemic or neurotoxic effects of MA.
Insights
Methamphetamine abusers show increased white matter hyperintensities (WMH) on MRI scans compared to healthy individuals. Male abusers exhibit more severe WMH than females, potentially due to estrogen
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Neuroscience
- Addiction Medicine
Background:
- White matter signal hyperintensities (WMH) are indicators of brain injury.
- Methamphetamine abuse is associated with various neurological complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the prevalence, severity, and location of WMH in methamphetamine (MA) abusers versus healthy controls.
- To investigate the relationship between MA use and WMH severity.
Main Methods:
- 33 MA abusers and 32 healthy controls underwent 3.0 T brain MRI.
- WMH severity was assessed for deep and periventricular regions.
- Ordinal logistic regression analyzed odds ratios for WMH.
Main Results:
- MA abusers showed significantly greater WMH severity than controls (ORs 7.06-8.46).
- Deep WMH severity correlated with cumulative MA dose (p=0.027).
- Male MA abusers had more severe WMH than females (OR=10.00) and male controls (OR=18.86).
Conclusions:
- Increased WMH in MA abusers may stem from MA-induced cerebral perfusion deficits.
- Estrogen might offer a protective effect in female MA abusers against MA's neurotoxic effects.
